The Great Library of Palanthas

Astinus' Office

Dominating the center of this room is a massive birch desk. Legend claims this desk has supported the thousands of volumes of history Astinus has recorded. A large pot of ink, a container of sharpened quills, and a candelabra complete the desks decorations. Small windows line the room, allowing light to trickle in and gently illuminate the entire room. A comfortable couch rests against the west wall. Tapestries hang on the walls between the windows. Shelves line the walls, filled with tomes of the more recent records of heroes and villians upon the face of Krynn.

The librarian notices you aren't reading anything...
Astinus hands a leather bound tome to an Aesthetic standing by you.
You note the spine bears the word 'Iolo' scribed in earth-colored yellow ink.
As you glance down at the page you read..

From the pages of Iolo's book..

Author: Iolo
Date: Thu May 27 01:57:15 2010
Subject Iolo's Start
Deep within the ground under Thorbardin, Iolo had always lived well.
Within the complex society of the Thiewar, he was able to always be "ahead"
of those who would try to undercut him. He, like his brethren, had always
had an innate ability to take advantage of the divine and arcane. He was
well on his way through gathering power and prestige before being seduced.
On his way to eliminate some competition from an opposing Thiewar clan, he
was moving through some of the less frequented tunnels in Thorbardin.
Walking within the very narrow corridors, he kept an eye both in front and
behind him. A hand reached out from the darkness, taking Iolo by surprise!
His normally attuned eyes would have been able to see any assailant that
would attack. The cold sharp pain dulled his skin and pulled him down with
ease. With this, another hand clutched his right leg, keep him pinned.
The sounds of screams could be heard as a darkness shuddered from the cold
stone floor. A half rotting corpse of what appeared to be a dwarf shambled
towards him. Its maw was agape and mouthing words that would not come. Its
eyes were sunken and putrescent white as it shifted and shambled. It stopped
in front of the dwarf.
A voice echoed within Iolo's head, "You have much potential within you..."
Unable to respond, he just stared directly within the creature's eye.
"However, I see you desire to keep your power and not let someone take it. I
can make this happen. I can give you what you need. But I need something
from you. If you agree, I will teach you the path to eternal life."
Pondering on this and not wanting the creature to devour him if he refused,
he calculated that this turn of events could work in his favor. A price
always must be paid if you gained something. This was the Thiewar way.
"I will except, " stated Iolo slowly.
"Good....good!" stated the voice. The creature shambled forward placing a
life siphoning hand upon Iolo's chest. "You are Ours!"
Darkness enveloped the dwarf. Hours, days, weeks may have passed, Iolo did
not know. He just knew some time had passed. He was no longer in Thorbardin,
but on the outskirts of a human city within the darkness of night.
"Where be I?" questioned Iolo.
"You are where you can begin your training. Do as I say and you will be able
to gain the power you seek." stated the same voice from before. Iolo looked
down at his clothing and found that he was not wearing his normal clothing.
He had a tattered grey clothed robe on and instead of the normal dagger on
his belt, a mace made of bone hung on his hip. "Enter the city and begin
your path."